10 Best Cool Cars in Havana

November 1, 2012

Just Married

This slick vintage Chevy convertible is just part of the fun in a wedding in Cuba. Whether a Cubano has the means to restore his ride or not, the culture has perfected automotive maintenance to an art form.

Chill Out

This mid-50s Chevrolet sedan rests under the shade of a Cuban tree. With daytime temperatures peaking as high as 95 degrees and high humidity virtually year-round, a parking space in the shade isn't a bad idea. Photographers visiting Cuba don't even notice the weather, though: there's so much to shoot.

A convertible Chevy racing through the streets of Havana

This Chevrolet with its swooping contours and flared tail fins was typical of American auto manufactures during the 50s, which was the last decade of active trade between Cuba and the US, despite Key West, Florida being just 90 miles off the coast of Cuba.

Sunset

Nothing shouts Havana quite like a newly polished 1950s-era Chevy, resting on a cobblestone street, with pastel-colored buildings on either side. You can practically smell that salt air and hear the pulse of Afro-Cuban tunes.

Fresh paint can't hide everything

Despite the fresh paint, this car looks odd and lumpy when inspected thoroughly: rivet holes are clearly visible along the sides and some panels jut out further than others. With no expectations of new parts or vehicles, replacement parts made of native steel are fitted on to the best of an island body shop's ability.

Driving to the beach

This early 50s vehicle was one of an influx of station wagons that were built in the post-World War II United States when returning soldiers needed cars with more room to transport their growing families. Today, you can see this classic cruising the tropical streets of La Habana.

Family outing

This old Cadillac has probably been moving families around for decades, and with the proper care, it'll continue to do so. Judging by the bright blue paint and spotless grill, this Caddy's got plenty more trips to make.

Streetrod

A sun guard and decorative cooling ducts have been added to this late 40s sedan, which is as colorful as the building where it's parked. Car nuts: note the opposed hinges of the doors, a common feature on many vehicles of the era.

Lydia, photo editor and Readers' Choice Production Manager for USA TODAY 10Best, has traveled to more than 30 countries in Europe, Asia and North and South America, and has lived in Albuquerque, Galveston, Austin, Thailand, Korea, China, Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil and now Spain. When she's not at her computer in a cafe, she's out photographing the city, writing fiction or cheering on Barça.

Matthew Henson is a racing enthusiast living in historic Greenville, SC. Having spent every summer of his childhood going to local racetracks with his grandfather and uncle - both of whom drove race cars they built themselves - Matthew developed a love of NASCAR and all motorsports early on.
Several of the major races Matthew has attended are an easy day trip from home. Greenville lies halfway between Charlotte Motor Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway, and in the dead center of the southeastern motorsports network.

Some people have to search for what they love, but Matthew was born into it.